This knot is demonstrated as a "tugboat bowline" in a few online videos. It looks similar to what is known as a perfection knot or angler's knot but I think that there are differences. When tied, it looks like this:I wonder if there are any disadvantages when compared to the traditional bowline. After bouncing on it a bunch with static line (in the photo is a little utility rope) it seems secure and unties easily, I suppose a stopper should be tied into the tail, though I witnessed no slippage. Do you see any safety reasons to avoid this knot in an SRT setting. I don't want to relive the Allen Dove incident of '09, so let me explain my curiosity. I don't need another rigging knot, and have no plans to use this or any other bowline for routine rope work. However, I relish the prospect of tying it like this one day and rappelling off of it for the sole purpose of terrorizing new caving companions.

I use the bowline more than a figure 8. Especially a double bowline. Its way easier to adjust to equalize between anchors, and 100x easier to untie after loaded. When using a simple bowline I use the yosemite tie off followed by an overhand knot, yet again, simple to untie after weighted.

I really enjoy tying the "tug boat bowline" But I''ve never used it caving.

What now one mentioned however was the figure 8. Although it's stronger than the figure 8, easier to tie than the bowline, and definitely easier to teach and to check, heres why the figure 8 is not mentioned favorably in most nautical knot publications. It's hard to untie when loaded beyond 1 or 2 person's weight, especially when it's wet. Bowlines can be untied after being overloaded and in wet conditions.

The bowline also uses less rope, is quicker to directly tie to an anchor than a tracer 8.Have you been on a long cave trip, your tired, and wished something was a little bit easier on the way out? It's untying a bowline.Can you afford the 10-15 percent of different loss in knot strength between the figure 8 and the bowline? Unless your tandem climbing on 9mm or single caving on 8mm I think the bowline leaves you plenty of strength and it's often easier.